The clocks go back soon, the leaves are turning and Halloween is almost here. So it’s the perfect time to treat yourself. Here’s our round-up of October must-haves. From dining out to everyday carry, there’s plenty worth the spend this month.
1 – Atul Kochhar x Stuart Gillies Four Hands Dinners
Two chefs, two kitchens and two completely different menus. This autumn, Number Eight’s Guest Chef Series pairs owner-chef Stuart Gillies with twice Michelin-starred Atul Kochhar. In fact, Kochhar was the first Indian chef ever to win a Michelin star. Each evening brings a six-course tasting menu, with three dishes from each chef. First up is Wednesday 21 October at Essence at The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. Highlights include tempura prawns with a Tangra-style chutney and a chicken tikka pie. Then comes lamb shoulder shank nihari with all the trimmings. Finally, an apple and walnut financier with bay leaf custard rounds things off. It costs £76.95 per person, plus £49.95 for the optional wine pairing. Can’t make it? The pair reunite at Number Eight in Sevenoaks on Wednesday 18 November. Better still, they’ll cook a brand-new menu, with details still to come.
2 – Bombolone Doughnuts Halloween Collection
Meanwhile, award-winning central London bakery Bombolone Doughnuts has gone full spooky season. Its team makes Italian-style filled brioche doughnuts fresh from 4am every day at the Whitcomb Street café. Now, six new Halloween creations join the line-up. Our favourite is the Mummy Mia, with a cheesecake cream filling and a white fondant coat. We also love the Eye Love Choco, which hides dark chocolate ganache under a set of candy eyes. On top of that, there’s a cinnamon apple Ripple Pie, a Biscoff Spell and a White Hazel Web. They cost £4.90 each or £24 for six. Find them in-store now at 21 Whitcomb Street, WC2H 7HA.
3 – Bentayga Fuel by Bentley at JOE & THE JUICE
Next, luxury motoring meets your morning coffee run. A year ago, JOE & THE JUICE and Bentley turned a Bentley Bentayga into a mobile coffee bar. Now the pair are back with Bentayga Fuel by Bentley, a limited-edition vanilla iced coffee. It blends JOE’s specialty espresso, real vanilla and milk over ice. What’s more, a lion’s mane functional blend adds a little extra get-up-and-go. Selected stores will also serve it in co-branded cups. And keep an eye out for the pink Bentley cruising around London. It lands on 21 October and runs until 5 January 2027, from £4.70.
4 – Chrome Kadet Micro Sling Bag
Once the coat goes on, pockets get crowded. That’s why we rate the Kadet Micro from Chrome, a compact 2-litre sling for the essentials. It uses water-repellent polyester, which is ideal for a British October. Inside, you get a two-way zip main compartment, a slip pocket and a key holder. There’s also a front zip pocket for things you need in a hurry. Because the strap adjusts, you can wear it across the chest or over the shoulder.
5 – Leuchtturm1917 Drehgriffel Monocle Ballpoint Pen
At first glance, the Drehgriffel looks like a vintage mechanical pencil. In fact, it’s a beautifully weighted ballpoint inspired by early 20th-century design. Leuchtturm1917 mills the hexagonal barrel from aluminium and brass. Then a twist mechanism brings the tip out with a satisfying click. This navy Monocle edition arrives in a triangular gift box. It also writes with a document-proof black refill and takes standard G2 refills. As a result, it’ll last for years. At £28 from Pen Heaven, with in-house engraving available, it’s an early Christmas gift sorted.
6 – BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Hold
BabyBjörn marks 65 years with its newest launch, the Baby Carrier Hold. The brand developed it with medical experts, and more than 400 families tested it. It goes on like a jacket, and a wraparound system adapts to different body types. Meanwhile, a double-layered waist belt and padded straps spread the weight evenly. Babies can face in or out. Also, the International Hip Dysplasia Institute recognises it as hip-healthy. Thoughtful touches include silent buckles that won’t wake a sleeping baby. There’s also an integrated shade and a handy pocket for essentials. It suits babies from newborn to 18 months. Finally, choose soft brushed woven fabric or breathable mesh, in Sand Gray, Light Green, Black or Cream.
7 – The Cornish Seaweed Bath Co. Limited Edition Seaweed Soap
As the weather turns, skin needs a little extra care. That’s where this limited-edition take on The Cornish Seaweed Bath Co.’s much-loved Seaweed Soap comes in. It cleanses and moisturises at the same time. The Cornish Seaweed Bath Co. handmakes it using only 100% natural plant oils and infuses it with wild organic seaweed. So every wash feels like a breath of sea air. At £11.50 RRP, it’s a small luxury that also makes a lovely stocking filler.
8 – Creed Iris Debonair
Last but not least, Creed’s newest Eau de Parfum celebrates the House’s British-French roots. Iris Debonair is a fougère floral that pairs cool English lavender with French iris pallida. First, it opens with bergamot, absinthe, pink pepper and cardamom. Next, violet leaf and a fig accord come through. Finally, it settles into a warm base of iris, ambrette and amberwood. The name comes from the old French “de bon air”. It describes someone quietly confident who doesn’t need anyone’s approval. Even the bottle looks the part. It follows Creed’s hip flask shape in soft blue-grey, a nod to designer Charles Creed’s favourite shades. Prices start from £220, and the 100ml costs £310. On top of that, engraving is free, so it’s a strong contender for your Christmas list.
From four hands feasting to Halloween doughnuts, this month’s October must-haves cover every kind of autumn. So which one’s making your October? Let us know!
